More documents needed by lines to carry goods

BY mid-month, additional documents will be required by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) on all sea vessels carrying goods in the domestic trade.

Marina Circular No. 2008-03 or the “Rules and Regulations to Implement the Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing in Domestic Shipping” orders all shipping lines to have a cargo securing manual (CSM)

The manual should carry guidelines on the safe stowage and securing of all types of cargoes on board other than solid and liquid bulk cargoes and timber stowed on deck except open-deck wooded-hulled ships with outrigger below 35 gross tons (GT).

The circular was released following reports many sea accidents were caused by improper cargo stowage, especially now with the popularity of roll-on-roll off vessels.

“Cargo, cargo units and cargo transport units shall be loaded, stowed and secured throughout the voyage in accordance with the CSM approved by the administration (Marina),” the circular said.

Also considered a cargo unit is the loading equipment or any part of it transported on the ship, but which is not permanently fixed to the ship.

The circular provides for review and evaluation of the documents with fees ranging from P300 for ships with less than 15 GT to P3,000 for those with 250 GT and above.

Marina will also charge for the issuance of the compliance certificate and annual endorsement of the said document. The certificate is valid for five years from the date of issue but should be endorsed annually by Marina. The document ceases to be valid if no endorsement has been made.

Non compliance carries penalties of P25,000 for the first offense to P100,000 for the third offense and possible cancellation of the licenses of both the captain and the shipping company.